Archive for April, 2009
Evening Primrose Oil
Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Q : I’ve been taking Evening Primrose Oil for PMS on the advice of my friend and have found it amazing - all they symptoms are gone - how does it work exactly?
A : While the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is unknown, the most popular theories include hormonal changes (oestrogen excess or progesterone deficiency), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), vitamin B 6 deficiency, abnormal metabolism of prostaglandin (hormone-like substances), excessive fluid retention, and endorphin (a substance in the brain that provides pain relief) withdrawal.
Evening Primrose Oil may play a role in relation to the metabolism of prostaglandin, a hormone like substance which relates to pain. Women with PMS tend to exhibit prostaglandin and essential fatty acid (EFA) abnormalities. The chief abnormaility is decreased gamma-linoleic acid (GLA).
Sources of GLA to help correct this are Borage oil, Black currant oil and Evening Primrose Oil. Evening primrose oil also contains omega-6 fatty acids, and essential fatty acids (EFAs).
Evening primrose oil may help to relieve breast pain during PMS, due to prostaglandin changes during menstruation. Supplementary GLA, through Evening Primrose Oil, appears to help the body metabolise prostaglandin more efficiently.
Some researchers believe that an even better approach for relieving PMS is to combine Evening Primrose Oil with the nutrients necessary for the proper breakdown of EFA in the body. These nutrients include vitamin B-6, A, C, and E and the minerals magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium.
There are at least four different classifications of PMS and my approach at ICIM Medics is to address PMS based on the classification that each and every individual may fall under.
For further information on this topic contact ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or info@icim.ie.
